The use of anabolic steroids in ram lambs

Abstract

The effect of anabolic steroids on certain body parameters in ram lambs was investigated. Twenty Ile de France ram lambs were allocated at random to two groups after weaning (3 months). One group (n = 10) was treated weekly with an intramuscular injection of an anabolic steroid (50 mg nandrolone laurate)for a 12-week period. The second group (n = 10) served as a control. Parameters recorded weekly included scrotal circumference, scrotal volume, shoulder width, body length, shoulder height, body weight and serum testosterone concentration. Treatment with steroids did not significantly increase the mean shoulder width (22,8 vs 22,0 cm), shoulder height (61,7 vs. 60.8 cm), body length (72,8 vs. 70,2 cm) or body weight (42,5 vs. 39,8 kg). Scrotal circumference and volume were significantly (P <0,01) less in the treated group - a decrease of 24,5% and 51,2%. respectively.